High urea (108mg/dL) & Low EGFR: looking for experiences on starting dialysis, and transplants
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for insights and shared experiences regarding my dad’s kidney health journey.
His recent lab results showed a dangerously high urea level of 108 mg/dL and a very low eGFR. He doesn't have major physical symptoms yet, but I’m deeply worried. Can doctors recommend starting dialysis based on high lab values alone, even if the patient feels relatively fine?
He currently eats a high-protein diet (mostly meat, as it's one of the few things he still enjoys), which I know contributes to the high urea. Since his other vital organs are still healthy, I’m terrified that delaying dialysis will let toxic waste build up and damage his heart or other organs.
We would really appreciate hearing from others in this community:
Starting Dialysis: Did you or your loved one start dialysis mainly due to high blood numbers rather than severe symptoms?
Disease Progression: How long were you (or your relative) a kidney patient, and at what eGFR/urea values did your condition stay stable before needing dialysis?
Transplant Experiences: For those who have gone through a kidney transplant, what was your experience with the process, timeline, and recovery?
We have an upcoming appointment with his nephrologist this Wednesday, but hearing your personal experiences would mean a lot to us right now.
Thank you so much!